My journey in Shanghai actually began in 2000, when I emigrated to China from the UK, looking to learn more about China, its culture, traditions, and ancient arts like Taiji.
Since then, my life and work in Shanghai has brought me tremendous joy and interest, and while in my free time, I quickly immersed myself in the martial arts and Taiji communities, my working life remained focused on providing educational services at two state universities: Shanghai University (SHU) and the University of Shanghai for Science & Technology (USST); and my own cultural centre: Double Dragon Alliance (DDA).
Cutting ahead to 2012 was when I was first approached by the International Office at USST and involved in the initial brainstorming behind creation of the British Cultural Centre, (BCC) part of USST’s International Culture Park, and asked to suggest programmes that could cultivate students’ non-academic lives or address unmet needs.
Later in 2014, I was brought in as BCC Director and commissioned to revitalize the Centre, with carte blanche to craft and execute new programmes. I organized in-person activities, plus online materials for the BCC WeChat platform offering access to intercultural learning to heighten students’ world experience, cultural understanding, English language proficiency, as well as offer prospects for making friends and engaging in valuable extracurricular and volunteer opportunities.
Realizing how few students had even engaged in internships, yet alone had a part-time job was an eye-opener. In my time in Shanghai, I have networked with countless professional colleagues, so was able to put those resources to good use, inviting distinguished business professionals from the international and local communities to deliver interactive talks and workshops that identified different countries’ business and cultural practices, helped forge skills for new graduates in the workforce, and fostered confidence in their forthcoming careers.
Facilitating access to experienced professionals offering practical advice for students’ future professional lives, all in English, was gratifying personally, mostly because I could see the progression in students’ understanding happening right in front of me!
Another great memory in the last ten years, are our student-centered art exhibitions, featuring artwork from students across the university. One of the best experiences expertly showcased the imaginations of students when I asked them to create a fairyland for our “Fairy Grotto” exhibition. The wonderland they created was a unique facet of the BCC’s decorations for some time, down to the grass-covered stairwell and cave-like entrance!
As Director, I am proud of the work staff and volunteer teams have accomplished. Underpinning all our success is the entire BCC team, especially the student volunteers, who always meet their responsibilities with initiative, creativity, and enthusiasm. Seeing them blossom, has been a highlight of my ten years!
For teachers, seeing students’ academic development and personal growth is the uppermost reward; and over the last twenty years teaching in Shanghai, it has been my absolute privilege to work with dedicated colleagues, talented students, and enthusiastic volunteers at the BCC, (many of whom began volunteering whilst attending my English classes at USST). Serving both universities’ student communities, providing them with exciting activities, opportunities for cultural exchange, greater English language development, plus meaningful and informative events is not only my job, but the raison d’etre behind my teaching vocation.
I have seen the change in so many young Chinese students’ lives and confidence levels over the last decade. The analogy of a teacher’s role being that of the sun and water for a child’s growth and development is both apt and accurate. Even the most talented entrepreneurs once needed nurturing and encouragement; teachers provide one of the best conduits for tapping a young person’s true potential. And if innovation in education is to truly work, we need good teachers to help facilitate that concept and make it a reality!
Personally, over the last decade or so, I’ve also had occasion to meet some of the most inspirational and revered people in the world and been honored for my work in education and cultural exchange.
And it hasn’t been all work; in 2018 whilst performing at SMG’s televised wushu gala, I proposed to my boyfriend of 3 years, so wushu and romance happily collided! Due to the pandemic, we married overseas in an open-air wedding beside a magnolia tree, ensuring the Shanghai connection!
Finally, it remains my pleasure to offer young Chinese people the chance to improve themselves, learn more about the world we live in and find confidence in their abilities to make their mark on the world. My life and work in Shanghai have taught me the value and importance of good communication for the maintenance of strong relationships, and the real meaning of global friendship.
And while the last couple of years have strained our usual means of communication and interaction due to the global pandemic, it has not daunted our ability to continue to make friends, communicate and share culture.
I hope the next ten years in Shanghai will provide many more opportunities to serve students at USST and the BCC and make the next decade an even better example of global friendship and cultural exchange!
